How to Pronounce Couth

To pronounce "couth", say COUTH — one syllable, IPA /kuːθ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

couth

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Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/kuːθ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “couth”

"couth" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with roethke, if that helps it stick.

What does couth mean?

verb

  1. (auxiliary verb, defective) To know how to; to be able to.

    “She can speak English, French, and German.   I can play football.   Can you remember your fifth birthday?”

  2. (modal auxiliary verb, defective) May; to be permitted or enabled to.

    “You can go outside and play when you're finished with your homework.   Can I use your pen?”

adjective

  1. Familiar, known; well-known, renowned.
  2. Variant of couthie.

Synonyms

be able tocognizegrokkenmay

Antonyms

can'tcannotcan’tuncouth

Words that rhyme with couth

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

roethke

Related words

refinedconversauntcognitivecushdycoupycoxyselcouth

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "couth"?▾

"Couth" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "couth"?▾

The IPA transcription of "couth" is /kuːθ/.

What does "couth" mean?▾

Couth: (auxiliary verb, defective) To know how to; to be able to.

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